Rehabilitation Psychology is a specialty area within psychology that focuses on the study and application of psychological knowledge and skills on behalf of individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions in order to maximize health and welfare, independence and choice, functional abilities, and social role participation across the lifespan. We welcome visitors of this site to learn more about the field of Rehabilitation Psychology and join the Division (Division 22 of the American Psychological Association).

November's Rehab Science Spotlight features a study of both the positive and negative/neutral effects of disability simulation and notes the importance of including awareness of social and cultural barriers and discrimination in such activities.

During this holiday season, I hope that each of you has the chance to take a minute, catch your breath and spend some time reflecting on where you are, where you were a year ago and where you want to be in the future. I know that as I sit at my desk trying to order my thoughts, I am overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude for all of the members who devote their time and effort promoting the mission and vision of Rehabilitation Psychology. Prior to taking on the role of President, I really did not have an understanding of the breadth of activities that our members engage in and the range of administrative tasks that are required to keep the division moving forward.

The members within Division 22 are truly exceptional in working to enhance the well-being of people living with disability and chronic health conditions. While many of us are fortunate to work as part of interdisciplinary teams, all of us are challenged to identify and embrace our strengths as psychologists and use those to work for improvements among individuals, organizations, and our society as a whole. Our various committee chairs, in particular, are working to determine how the vision statements that were developed are implemented by their group while – as a division - we are working to enhance our ability to engage the larger membership and to partner with our sister organizations.

There are a few specific initiatives that we are focusing on at this time:

The taskforce to identify and engage a management company, led by Past-President Dr. Lisa Brenner, is writing the RFP and working identify potential companies to assist the division in handling its many administrative tasks so that the volunteer efforts of our members can be better used.

The Childcare and Parenting taskforce, led by Dr. Abbey Hughes, is exploring both possibilities for offering childcare options at RP18 and addressing the issue more broadly as it effects the career course of many of our members.

And the Rapid Response Process Task Force, led by Dr. Stephanie Reid-Arndt is working to develop a process to allow the division to be able to address or comment on emergent issues related to practice, advocacy and other situations in a timely manner.

Finally, our members are continuing to work planning and implementing our premier conferences for both 2018 and 2019.

Dr. Jake Bentley has done a wonderful job leading the program committee for our Mid-Year meeting and has developed an exciting agenda for RP18 in Dallas while Dr. Ann Marie-Warren, as chair-elect, has developed a very timely preconference focusing for opportunities for Rehabilitation Psychologists in Addressing the Opioid Epidemic. If you have not already registered for this exciting event, consider doing so as it is always a friendly collegial event with excellent presentations and speakers.

Dr. Lisa Betthauser has been working hard as Rehabilitation Psychology’s program chair for the Annual APA Convention which will take place in San Francisco in August 2018. This event has a different focus and feel to it, allowing rehabilitation psychologists to connect with ideas and colleagues outside of Division 22 while still having the chance to connect with Division 22 programming and colleagues.

I once again invite all of you to increase your involvement with Rehabilitation Psychology. We have two wonderful sections (Pediatric and Women’s Issues) that offer many opportunities for professional development, advocacy and networking. Many of our committees are also looking for individuals with the time and interest to be involved on a national level. If you might be interested in doing so, please complete our survey at: https://umich.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0xGRADLQOGeq5OB

And with that, I will repeat my hope for you to have time to catch your breath and the opportunity to experience a sense of connection and gratitude.

I wish you a peaceful and joyful holiday season and a wonderful new year.